Community Corner

Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The infected mosquito came from Lukens Park in Horsham.

A mosquito in Horsham Township last week tested positive for the West Nile Virus, which, in rare cases among humans afflicted, has resulted death. 

The mosquito sample was collected from Lukens Park on Dresher Road in Horsham on July 23, according to an announcement posted this afternoon on the township's Web site. 

The Montgomery County Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection will continue to monitor the area. 

A mosquito collection from Clearbrook Park in Horsham tested positive for the virus in September.

Officials have said that the best protection against West Nile virus-which is spread to humans via infected mosquitos-is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. 

To help keep mosquitos away, consider the following tips:

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  • Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard where mosquitos may lay eggs. Fill, cover or remove any items that can trap water.
  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
  • Pay special attention to discarded tires.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
  • Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to clog drains.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. 
  • Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. 
People can have a mild case of West Nile and not realize it. Mild symptoms, according to the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program, include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body Aches
  • Occasional Skin Rash
  • Occasional Swollen Lymph Glands

More severe symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • High Fever
  • Neck Stiffness
  • Stupor
  • Disorientation
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Convulsions
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Paralysis
Click here for more on West Nile virus. 

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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